I am so bad. My order from BeautyCrunch.com comes in Monday and I am already planning a haul. I really want to do it Monday so that I can just roll in makeup. Haha.
I want one thing from Sephora, and, well, a lot of things from MAC. Here goes.
I still want the NARS Laguna Bronzer.
And from MAC I want eyeshadows in Sketch, Shale, Knight Divine, and a pink color. I'll have to see when I'm there.
That Fix+ Fluid.
Lipstick in Shy Girl.
Lipglass (or gloss, or whatever) in Underage or Nymphette.
Paintpot in Constructivist.
Stay tuned for rolling in makeup.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Dior Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup
That is a mouthful! So I've been on the hunt for a good foundation lately. I usually wear Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer (which is amazing for a TM, btw) with concealer. But after seeing a lot of these foundations on the market that actually improve skin over time, well, I had to get one. I was actually looking into new foundation anyway because I want more coverage and a better finish.
So I was at a funeral a few weeks ago, and my cousin who works at Sephora recommend the Tarte ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation. Not because I have a lot of wrinkles, but he said that it had the perfect not too matte not too dewy finish, and the anti-aging technology was just an added benefit. (He was actually wearing it too, and his skin is far from wrinkly.)
So I went to my local Sephora to get matched, and the colors were wayyyy to dark and yellow for me. The sales associate gave me a sample of the lightest color anyway, and also a sample of the Smooth Operator foundation in Facade. I also went to the MAC counter and got a sample of the Studio Fix Liquid Foundation in NC15. I thought it blended fine in the store, but when I tried it at home it was way too yellow. I didn't even bother with the ReCreate, I knew it would be super dark. But the Smooth Operator was a good match. However, after wearing it for two days, I got these huge liquid filled blisters on my cheek. Yikes.
Anyway, I ended up getting the Dior Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup in 010. Yeah, the lightest shade... But it's a great match for my skin. I put it on the first day and it looked amazing! But yesterday and today I put it on and was not so impressed. It made my skin look super flakey and gross. But. I figured how to put it on so it didn't do that.
Tips to using the Dior Nude Liquid Foundation:
1) Exfoliate really well. I plan on doing this every morning before putting on the foundation. I use Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash.
2) Moisturize like nuts! This should be in your routine already, no brainer.
3) Don't use primer. I read this in a review on Sephora that a makeup artist had written. I tried it, and it helped considerably with the flakiness.
4) Put on the makeup before your moisturizer has set completely. This will help it glide on and keep it from drying as fast. This foundation dries extremely fast.
5) Use your fingers. I discovered that a basic foundation brush applied too much product and made it look cakey. I don't know how a brush like the 187 would do, but basic foundation brushes would not work.
Although it took me a while to figure out how best to use this, it was completely worth it. The effect this foundation gives is wonderful, and it improves my skin, too! The 45 dollars is worth it, and I'm anticipating that this product will last a long time. A full review will be coming soon!
So I was at a funeral a few weeks ago, and my cousin who works at Sephora recommend the Tarte ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation. Not because I have a lot of wrinkles, but he said that it had the perfect not too matte not too dewy finish, and the anti-aging technology was just an added benefit. (He was actually wearing it too, and his skin is far from wrinkly.)
So I went to my local Sephora to get matched, and the colors were wayyyy to dark and yellow for me. The sales associate gave me a sample of the lightest color anyway, and also a sample of the Smooth Operator foundation in Facade. I also went to the MAC counter and got a sample of the Studio Fix Liquid Foundation in NC15. I thought it blended fine in the store, but when I tried it at home it was way too yellow. I didn't even bother with the ReCreate, I knew it would be super dark. But the Smooth Operator was a good match. However, after wearing it for two days, I got these huge liquid filled blisters on my cheek. Yikes.
Anyway, I ended up getting the Dior Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup in 010. Yeah, the lightest shade... But it's a great match for my skin. I put it on the first day and it looked amazing! But yesterday and today I put it on and was not so impressed. It made my skin look super flakey and gross. But. I figured how to put it on so it didn't do that.
Tips to using the Dior Nude Liquid Foundation:
1) Exfoliate really well. I plan on doing this every morning before putting on the foundation. I use Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash.
2) Moisturize like nuts! This should be in your routine already, no brainer.
3) Don't use primer. I read this in a review on Sephora that a makeup artist had written. I tried it, and it helped considerably with the flakiness.
4) Put on the makeup before your moisturizer has set completely. This will help it glide on and keep it from drying as fast. This foundation dries extremely fast.
5) Use your fingers. I discovered that a basic foundation brush applied too much product and made it look cakey. I don't know how a brush like the 187 would do, but basic foundation brushes would not work.
Although it took me a while to figure out how best to use this, it was completely worth it. The effect this foundation gives is wonderful, and it improves my skin, too! The 45 dollars is worth it, and I'm anticipating that this product will last a long time. A full review will be coming soon!
Until next time!
C.
C.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Lemmings!
I can never get enough makeup! Here are some things I've been eying lately... :]]
Sephora:
NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna, $30
I've tried my friend's Cargo Big Bronzer, and if people are saying this is better than that, I must have it! I'm very pale, so anything that will give me some color without looking garish and fake is always appreciated!
Aquolina Pink Sugar Hair Perfume Spray, $15
I love this scent, and because I'm young I can get away with wearing it. I'd love for my hair to smell like Pink Sugar without the damaging effects of alcohol, and the price is very reasonable!
Fresh Sugar Lemon Perfume, $24.50-$65
I love Fresh products, (except I can never get any because they're so expensive!) and this is no exception.This sce
nt may smell mediocre wet, but let it dry and it smells a-maaaaa-zing. Someday I'd love to have this, and the matching body wash, in my collection. <3
MAC:
Fix+, $17
I'm a huge sucker for a good multitasking product, so I love the idea of the Fix+. It's a skincare product, a haircare product, a makeup setter and refresher, and a binding agent in one! You can do so much with this. I'll make a full post and review on this when I get it (hopefully soon!) but this is a must-have for sure.
Brush Cleaner, $11
So I can take good care of my non-MAC brushes!
Eyeshadows in Knight Divine, Club, Expensive Pink, Twinks, Mulch, $14.50 each
Knight Divine is a gorgeous gunmetal gray/silver color. I like gray looks and have yet to get a gray shadow from MAC, so this is looking like the one for me.
As for Club, I really need to find out what the big deal with this is.
Expensive Pink is a beautiful pinky-peachy color that would complement my blue eyes fabulously. I've read a lot of great reviews on it and love a little pink eyeshadow.
Twinks is just gorgeous.
Mulch because it's a beautiful brown.
China Glaze:
I am so loving this nail polish! Check out 8ty8beauty.com for some great prices. They also have polishes from past collections that you may not be able to find in your local salons!
Aphrodite's Pink Nightie
A gorgeous pink!
Branding Iron
This is a beautiful color from China Glaze's Rodeo Diva collection. It's beautiful and burgundy, and I'm so glad I could find it on 8ty8beauty.com!
Avalanche
A very cool silver gray color. Awesome.
Camisole
A basic pretty pink color.
And I think that's it!
Sephora:
NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna, $30
I've tried my friend's Cargo Big Bronzer, and if people are saying this is better than that, I must have it! I'm very pale, so anything that will give me some color without looking garish and fake is always appreciated!
Aquolina Pink Sugar Hair Perfume Spray, $15
I love this scent, and because I'm young I can get away with wearing it. I'd love for my hair to smell like Pink Sugar without the damaging effects of alcohol, and the price is very reasonable!
Fresh Sugar Lemon Perfume, $24.50-$65
I love Fresh products, (except I can never get any because they're so expensive!) and this is no exception.This sce
nt may smell mediocre wet, but let it dry and it smells a-maaaaa-zing. Someday I'd love to have this, and the matching body wash, in my collection. <3MAC:
Fix+, $17
I'm a huge sucker for a good multitasking product, so I love the idea of the Fix+. It's a skincare product, a haircare product, a makeup setter and refresher, and a binding agent in one! You can do so much with this. I'll make a full post and review on this when I get it (hopefully soon!) but this is a must-have for sure.
Brush Cleaner, $11
So I can take good care of my non-MAC brushes!
Eyeshadows in Knight Divine, Club, Expensive Pink, Twinks, Mulch, $14.50 each
Knight Divine is a gorgeous gunmetal gray/silver color. I like gray looks and have yet to get a gray shadow from MAC, so this is looking like the one for me.
As for Club, I really need to find out what the big deal with this is.
Expensive Pink is a beautiful pinky-peachy color that would complement my blue eyes fabulously. I've read a lot of great reviews on it and love a little pink eyeshadow.
Twinks is just gorgeous.
Mulch because it's a beautiful brown.
China Glaze:
I am so loving this nail polish! Check out 8ty8beauty.com for some great prices. They also have polishes from past collections that you may not be able to find in your local salons!
Aphrodite's Pink Nightie
A gorgeous pink!
Branding Iron
This is a beautiful color from China Glaze's Rodeo Diva collection. It's beautiful and burgundy, and I'm so glad I could find it on 8ty8beauty.com!
Avalanche
A very cool silver gray color. Awesome.
Camisole
A basic pretty pink color.
And I think that's it!
Until next time!
C.
C.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
First post! Current skincare routine.
Hey everyone, if anyone out there is reading this! For the sake of this blog, I'll go by C.
I love makeup and skincare, so basically, I decided to make a blog because I wanted to share my ideas and knowledge with others out there, and hopefully gain some tips and ideas in return.
For my first post, I'll do my current skincare routine. Skincare is absolutely the most important part of any beauty routine. I've always struggled with attaining perfect skin, and I think that I'm coming really close with the products that I'm currently using. These products are on the pricey side, but I find that good quality skincare products should be invested in. Perfect skin gives an aura of youth and health, regardless of your age.
My skin is very sensitive, very fair, and pretty acne prone. I would probably describe it as... normal to oily. I think it's pretty normal right now, though it used to be oily (most likely due to aggressive skincare). I tend to get cystic acne around my chin near my cycle, had large pores (they have been cured by this regimen!), uneven skintone (also cured!), and basically imperfect skin all around. I'm just on the quest for "makeup-optional skin".
In the morning I use:
Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
I have noticed a huge improvement in my skin since using this. Exfoliation is a step that is often underestimated and skipped in American skincare routines. I made the mistake of not exfoliating, and since trying this product I realize what I was missing!
This is super gentle, even for my uber-sensitive skin.
$25 for 8 ounces (other sizes available) at Sephora stores or sephora.com
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
This is a great tried-and-true product. It also comes in a lotion form. I bought the gel form because it had much higher reviews, though I may buy the lotion form sometime. This is a great product that leaves my skin feeling moisturized without feeling greasy. I haven't experienced any breakouts or irritation due to this product either. Definitely a keeper.
$24 for 4.2 ounces at Sephora stores, sephora.com or Clinique counters
In the evening I use:
Philosophy Purity Made Simple
This milky liquid cleanser doesn't remove all of my makeup, like it claims, but it's still good enough for me to stick with it. Although it hasn't prevented breakouts for me, I have noticed improvement in my skin since using it. It gives me a nice, healthy glow. It's super gentle and more affordable than other high-end brands. Definitely worth looking into.
$20 for 8 ounces (other sizes available) at Sephora stores or sephora.com
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
mixed with
Philosophy Booster Caps
These booster caps are definitely an investment. I spent weeks reading reviews before I could convince myself to get them. But I think it's been worth it. They leave my skin feeling silky smooth, and I have seen a definite improvement since using them. I can't wait to see how my skin looks as I continue to use this product over time. However, the hefty price tag will probably keep me from getting this again. If you have the money, you should look into this.
$50 for 60 capsules at Sephora stores or sephora.com
When I need it:
DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask
I SWEAR by this stuff. This may be the best purchase I have ever made. This mask clarifies the skin and makes all around improvements. It never dries me out, though I do make sure that I moisturize after I take off the mask, just as a precaution. I have never had any peeling or flaking of the skin with this mask. It is the only product that has cleared up a cystic zit. I use it once a week or as needed as a mask, just put it on, let it dry, and rinse it off with lots and lots of water. The effect is amazing. I also use it as a spot treatment at times, and I can leave it on (as a spot treatment) all night without it damaging my skin. This is a lifesaver. It does smell of sulfur, but it is so incredible that I don't care.
$38 for 4 ounces at Sephora stores or Sephora.com
My skincare routine will be changing over the next few months, and if I see good results, I'll be sure to post more on here!
I love makeup and skincare, so basically, I decided to make a blog because I wanted to share my ideas and knowledge with others out there, and hopefully gain some tips and ideas in return.
For my first post, I'll do my current skincare routine. Skincare is absolutely the most important part of any beauty routine. I've always struggled with attaining perfect skin, and I think that I'm coming really close with the products that I'm currently using. These products are on the pricey side, but I find that good quality skincare products should be invested in. Perfect skin gives an aura of youth and health, regardless of your age.
My skin is very sensitive, very fair, and pretty acne prone. I would probably describe it as... normal to oily. I think it's pretty normal right now, though it used to be oily (most likely due to aggressive skincare). I tend to get cystic acne around my chin near my cycle, had large pores (they have been cured by this regimen!), uneven skintone (also cured!), and basically imperfect skin all around. I'm just on the quest for "makeup-optional skin".
In the morning I use:
Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
I have noticed a huge improvement in my skin since using this. Exfoliation is a step that is often underestimated and skipped in American skincare routines. I made the mistake of not exfoliating, and since trying this product I realize what I was missing!
This is super gentle, even for my uber-sensitive skin.
$25 for 8 ounces (other sizes available) at Sephora stores or sephora.com
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
This is a great tried-and-true product. It also comes in a lotion form. I bought the gel form because it had much higher reviews, though I may buy the lotion form sometime. This is a great product that leaves my skin feeling moisturized without feeling greasy. I haven't experienced any breakouts or irritation due to this product either. Definitely a keeper.
$24 for 4.2 ounces at Sephora stores, sephora.com or Clinique counters
In the evening I use:
Philosophy Purity Made Simple
This milky liquid cleanser doesn't remove all of my makeup, like it claims, but it's still good enough for me to stick with it. Although it hasn't prevented breakouts for me, I have noticed improvement in my skin since using it. It gives me a nice, healthy glow. It's super gentle and more affordable than other high-end brands. Definitely worth looking into.
$20 for 8 ounces (other sizes available) at Sephora stores or sephora.com
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
mixed with
Philosophy Booster Caps
These booster caps are definitely an investment. I spent weeks reading reviews before I could convince myself to get them. But I think it's been worth it. They leave my skin feeling silky smooth, and I have seen a definite improvement since using them. I can't wait to see how my skin looks as I continue to use this product over time. However, the hefty price tag will probably keep me from getting this again. If you have the money, you should look into this.
$50 for 60 capsules at Sephora stores or sephora.com
When I need it:
DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask
I SWEAR by this stuff. This may be the best purchase I have ever made. This mask clarifies the skin and makes all around improvements. It never dries me out, though I do make sure that I moisturize after I take off the mask, just as a precaution. I have never had any peeling or flaking of the skin with this mask. It is the only product that has cleared up a cystic zit. I use it once a week or as needed as a mask, just put it on, let it dry, and rinse it off with lots and lots of water. The effect is amazing. I also use it as a spot treatment at times, and I can leave it on (as a spot treatment) all night without it damaging my skin. This is a lifesaver. It does smell of sulfur, but it is so incredible that I don't care.
$38 for 4 ounces at Sephora stores or Sephora.com
My skincare routine will be changing over the next few months, and if I see good results, I'll be sure to post more on here!
Have a good one!
C.
C.
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